Subaru owners are some of the most loyal people on the planet, and they are always eager to share their love of their all-wheel drive SUV. But not every used car will be free of problems. Before you buy a Subaru Tribeca, find out what kinds of problems it may have over its lifetime.
What types of troubles are typical for the Subaru Tribeca?
Subaru Tribeca owners report the following issues for their SUVs:
- Hood flies open while car is in motion
- Doors fail to lock or unlock
- Puddle light shorts out
On the bright side, most of these reported problems and complaints are easily fixed. You can read about how each issue is addressed in the following article. Overall, the Subaru Tribeca continues to have very few complaints filed with the NHTSA as the cars continue to age.
The Best Features of the Subaru Tribeca
Even though the Subaru Tribeca never achieved the rank of a top-selling SUV, it is regarded as a versatile and dependable mid-size ride for a growing family. First introduced to the North American market in 2006, the company sold just 77,000 units by the time the badge was retired in 2014.
Earlier models offered a two- or three-row seat design able to fit up to seven passengers.
As with almost every Subaru on the road, the Tribeca includes all-wheel drive on all of its vehicles. The flat-six 3.6L engine produces 256 horsepower, more than enough to propel your crew through traffic with confidence.
Split folding rear seats and roof rails provide a boatload of room for camping gear, boxes and shopping bags.
When Subaru determined it wanted to discontinue the Tribeca in 2012, it then reduced the SUV to a single trim level, the Limited.
For these years, leather heated front seats, automatic climate control, and heated wipers deliver a luxurious ride.
Other comparable SUVs produced by Subaru include the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Forester. The XV Crosstrek and Impreza give you more compact options while retaining the signature all-wheel drive capability.
Most Typical Complaints and Problems for the Subaru Tribeca
Hood Flies Open While Car is in Motion
This problem appeared across the entire Subaru lineup between 2004 and 2014. A defective hood latch and locking system would come loose while traveling over rough roads.
The hood can fly open, smash the windshield and cause an accident. A 2016 recall requires the inspection, cleaning and replacement of defective parts.
Doors Fail to Lock or Unlock
The power locks on some of the SUVs would not activate properly. Opening a window may result in the door locking, which then will not unlock when the car is put into Park. Replacement of the door and window modules fixes the problem.
Puddle Lights Stop Working
One of the nicer features on the Tribeca is the welcome puddle lights that are activated by the remote. Some owners of the 2008 to 2012 Tribeca reported that the lights would stop working after a year or two.
An investigation determined that poor design allowed water to collect in the side mirror, corrode electrical connections, and melt the housing. A recall for sealing the wiring harness was issued.
Rust on Brake Rotors
Drivers of the 2010 Subaru Tribeca reported significant rust on front brake rotors after just 45,000 miles on the road. The rotors were replaced to fix the problem.
Door Pops Open While Driving
A limited number of 2010 Tribeca owners experienced their door flying open while the car was in motion.
The power cable for the windows in the front doors were run incorrectly during assembly, causing the locking mechanism to get caught in the cable. A recall was issued for fewer than 2,000 vehicles to be inspected and cabling repositioned as needed.
Unusual Squeaking Noises from Suspension
Some owners of the 2008 Subaru Tribeca reported a strange squeak in the suspension that was most noticeable during wet weather.
Some dealers confirmed the phenomenon, but it was not associated with any mechanical failures. The noise diminishes in warm, dry weather.
Engine Turns off Without Warning
Some of the earliest vehicles manufactured as a Tribeca included a manual keyed ignition that some customers discovered allowed their car to shut off while in motion.
The weight of their key ring or their knee could cause the key to switch to the accessory position, cutting power to the engine. A recall required Subaru to replace the ignition switch if found to be defective.
